(Spirit Lake)– Trial in a case that sought to have two members of the Spirit Lake school board removed from office was to have started this (Tues.) morning in Dickinson County District Court. But some last minute developments in the judge’s chambers changed that.
Peter Hart, an attorney representing the petitioners or plaintiffs in the case, says the very nature of the case is now changing. Hart says the court determined the alleged open meetings violations are to be recast to include all five people who were on the board at the time of the alleged violations. Specifically, Hart says they’re looking at closed sessions held November 15, 2007; January 9, 2008; February 5th, 2008 and February 11th, 2008. In addition to Beth Will and Ann Goerss, Scott Wicks, Todd Hummel and Cliff Garvey were also on the board at that time of the alleged violations.
Steve Avery, an attorney representing the Spirit Lake School District, told KUOO news today’s (Tues.) proceedings were in exchange for the petitioners dropping their proceedings to try to remove Will and Goerss from office.
The judge will hear the case on the alleged open meetings law violations Tuesday, October 21st in Dickinson County District Court.
The school board is scheduled to meet in special session at 9:00 a.m. this Thursday (Oct. 16th). The agenda says it will be a closed session to discuss strategy with legal counsel.
